Minor Child Name Change in Tennessee: Steps, Cost & Forms
Verified against Tennessee Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (the court that hears name changes varies by county) and .gov sources · Last verified July 16, 2026.
A minor child name change in Tennessee is filed in the Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court (varies by county), costs about $100–$250 (typical $175, varies by county), and requires no newspaper notice. Most cases finish in 2–8 weeks. You'll need the forms below and certified copies of the signed order to update your IDs.
Your personalized plan
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
What it costs
Same county-set filing fee as an adult petition; confirm the exact amount with your county court clerk
The Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court in the county where you have lived for at least six months
Step by step
- 1
A parent or guardian files the petition to change the minor's name in the Circuit, Chancery, or Probate Court of the county where the child lives.
- 2
Give the child's other parent legal notice of the petition, or provide the court with the other parent's written consent.
- 3
File the petition with the clerk, pay the county filing fee, and attach the child's birth certificate and proof of residency.
- 4
Attend the hearing; the judge decides whether the name change is in the child's best interest.
- 5
Get certified copies of the signed order and update the child's Social Security record, school records, and passport.
Official forms
Every link goes to the official court or government host — never a paid re-host.
- • Both parents generally must receive notice; if the other parent does not consent, the court weighs the child's best interest before ruling.
- • If a parent cannot be located, ask the court clerk about serving notice by mail or publication.
Then update your IDs
Once you have the signed order, update Social Security first, then your Tennessee license, then your passport and accounts.
Minor child name change in nearby states
Minor Child Name Change in Tennessee: FAQ
How much does a minor child name change cost in Tennessee?
Do I have to publish a notice in a newspaper in Tennessee?
Do both parents have to agree to change a child's name in Tennessee?
How long does it take in Tennessee?
What do I do after the judge signs my order in Tennessee?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.tncourts.gov/programs/self-help-center
- www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/helpful-information/dlnamechange.html
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.